Richard Strauss - Elektra (Edward Gardner)

Information

Composer: Richard Strauss

• Elektra, Op. 58, TrV 223

Iréne Theorin, soprano

Jennifer Holloway, soprano

Tanja Ariane Baumgartner, mezzo-soprano

Nikolai Schukoff, tenor

Iain Paterson, bass-baritone

Bergen Philharmonic Choir & Orchestra

Edward Gardner, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Chandos

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First performed in Dresden in 1909, Elektra marked Richard Strauss’s first collaboration with librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal and stands as the most modernist of his operas. Drawing on Sophocles’ tragedy in a substantially reworked form, the drama focuses intensely on Elektra’s psychological turmoil through a series of charged personal encounters. Strauss’s score is harmonically daring, highlighted by the striking “Elektra Chord,” and employs a lavish orchestration that includes expanded brass, double timpani, and two harps. This live recording from Bergen in December 2023 features conductor Edward Gardner and Swedish dramatic soprano Iréne Theorin in the title role.

Edward Gardner (b. 1974) is a distinguished English conductor known for his versatility and leadership across opera and symphonic repertoire. Trained at the Royal Academy of Music, he launched his career as a choral conductor and repetiteur before becoming music director of Glyndebourne on Tour (2004–07). He later served as music director of English National Opera (2007–15) and principal guest conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (2010–16). Since 2013, he has been principal guest conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic, and in 2021 he became principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He will assume the role of music director at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet in 2024.